Middle East crises loom in background as NATO leaders gather in Washington While this year's summit is expected to focus largely on the ongoing war in Ukraine, Iran's military support for Russia and Turkey's strategic balancing act with Moscow are expected to weigh on NATO leaders gathered in Washington. Washington Pulse
US, Israel hold second virtual meeting on Rafah Biden administration officials have denied offering to green-light an Israeli invasion of Rafah if Israel holds off on retaliating against Iran. Washington Pulse
One year on Sudan’s war: 14,700 killed, 8.6M displaced, 4.9M face starvation As the war in Sudan enters its second year, the humanitarian situation is worsening by the day with no prospects of an imminent end of the hostilities. North Africa Pulse
State Department staffer resigns over Biden's handling of Gaza Annelle Sheline is the second State Department official to publicly resign since Oct. 7, citing the erosion of US credibility on human rights in the Middle East as a result of the war. Washington Pulse
Russia takes parliamentary diplomacy to Middle East As Russia’s participation in Mideast policymaking grows, its legislature is assuming a greater role in diplomacy there. Syria
Despite US strikes, Moscow still wants to work with Washington on Syria Though the Russians continue to protest US strikes on Syrian government forces and pro-government paramilitaries, the Kremlin is unlikely to respond as long as it remains focused on cooperation with Washington. Syria
The real reason Iran is pointing finger at Riyadh for IS attack Iranian officials have pointed the finger at Saudi Arabia as the culprit behind the attack by the Islamic State on Tehran. Saudi Arabia
Influence-rich Saudis blow through Sunni unity Just a month after hosting the US president and the leaders of dozens of Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia apparently cares more about putting Qatar in its place than maintaining the alliance it built. Saudi Arabia
Gulf rift sends tremors through Yemen The decision by Gulf countries involved in the Yemen war to sever ties with Qatar has created complexities on both sides of the Yemen conflict. Legacy: Gulf
Congress rebukes Trump over pro-Saudi stance The US Senate came close to passing a bill prohibiting bomb sales to Riyadh for its war in Yemen amid growing concern about sectarian entanglement. Saudi Arabia
Moscow festival reflects hope for Turkey’s tourism sector Russian tourists are returning to Turkey’s relatively warm climes as relations between the countries thaw. Turkey
How Moscow-Riyadh rapport fits into the Mideast scene With all that’s going on in the Gulf right now, some players are re-examining their alliances and shoring up support. Saudi Arabia
Turkish military will protect Qatari regime if necessary Ankara revealed a hard stance in the Qatar crisis by fast-tracking legislation that sends Turkish troops there to control protests and confront internal security threats. Saudi Arabia
After rushing to Qatar's aid, Turkey may have to rethink its Mideast ties Ankara, fearing it could be next on the Arab hit list, hastily approves sending troops to Qatar despite Turkey's poor history when intervening in Arab affairs. Qatar
Egypt’s role in the push to cut off Qatar With three Gulf states revolting against Qatar's regional policies, Egypt has found the perfect opportunity to sever ties with Qatar after four years of political bickering. Saudi Arabia
Trump’s 7 guidelines for relaunching Israeli-Palestinian talks Instead of specific terms of reference, US President Donald Trump is reshaping rather vague guideline principles, creating a symmetry between Israeli and Palestinian interests. Palestine
